Chapter 548: The Trace of the God of Swordsman
After toasting with Shakky again, some time passed.
Rayleigh's expression grew serious.
"Seriously, Shakky, I feel it's dangerous to stay here as I grow old."
"Many people know I live here, and now the Marines' strength has grown."
"Their available combat power is considerable."
"If Sengoku suddenly sends Akainu here, I'm afraid I won't be able to resist him."
He phrased it tactfully, but after Akainu acquired the God Killer Equipment, defeating Rayleigh would be easy.
With such overwhelming strength, Rayleigh was genuinely worried that Sengoku might act on a whim and target him.
Shakky scoffed after hearing Rayleigh's words.
"Whose fault is that? Who keeps running out to save this person or that?"
"If you don't provoke others, why would they provoke you?"
Rayleigh rubbed his head, exasperated.
"Well, that was in the past, so don't be mad. I couldn't just abandon Shanks back then!"
"So, what's your plan? Are you going to the red-haired kid's place?" Shakky asked, blowing out smoke with a sarcastic tone.
"Hahaha! No, no, not that." Rayleigh replied.
"I'm going to lay low at an old friend's place."
Hearing this, Shakky asked directly, "Which one, specifically?"
Rayleigh didn't hide it.
"Crocus, the former ship's doctor. He must be having a tough time in the Twin Capes."
"Pirates worldwide are far harder to deal with now than before."
"If those active newcomers clash with him at the Twin Capes, he'd likely face trouble."
At this, Shakky laughed again.
"So, you're going to help the old man?"
"Don't cause a big scene, then. A retired old man running around making trouble, if the Marines don't arrest you, who would they arrest?"
Rayleigh smiled bitterly and spread his hands helplessly.
"There's nothing I can do about it."
"If I had a background like yours, I wouldn't need to run!"
Rayleigh's reason for not taking Shakky along was twofold.
Firstly, the Marines were after a big fish like him.
Secondly, Shakky now had a powerful backer.
Rumors placed the God of Swordsman in seclusion on an island in the Calm Belt.
High-ranking members of major forces, like Grandmaster, had more precise information.
The God of Swordsman resided on Amazon Lily, the Amazon Lily in the Calm Belt.
Moreover, Esdeath, known as the Ice Goddess, frequently visited there.
Some speculated the God of Swordsman was a native of Amazon Lily or was close with its empress.
Various theories abounded.
As the former empress of Amazon Lily, Shakky now carried weight.
Even if not for her, respect for the God of Swordsman ensured stability.
The Kuja Pirates of Amazon Lily faced little trouble when gathering supplies at sea.
Major forces, aware of the situation, avoided clashing with this pirate crew over mere provisions.
This made Shakky's intelligence work much smoother, all thanks to her indirect connections.
"Alright! Since you've decided, pack your bags and get out!" Shakky said.
"Well, let me finish reading the newspaper and the wine…" Rayleigh began.
"Get out!" Shakky snapped.
---
Amazon Lily.
Kai relaxed in the jungle with Asami.
He held her hand, slowly taking in the surroundings.
Lush woods, a blue lake, skylarks soaring overhead, chirping insects, and playful fish filled the scene.
Then there was Asami's hand.
Her slender, soft hands were warm and slightly moist.
Each time he held them, her heart raced, her face flushed, and her palms grew sweaty.
Despite their countless intimate moments, she shifted from bold to bashful after each encounter.
Usually gentle, she was easily embarrassed.
Kai found this amusing and loved teasing her.
Time passed slowly.
As they returned to the cliff's edge, Kai gave a gentle push, and Asami fell into his arms.
He stroked her soft, glossy black hair and caressed her flushed cheeks.
Asami gazed at him with watery eyes.
"Kai, I… I'm going back first. I'll take your place tonight…"
Without waiting for a reply, she slipped from his arms and fled in a slight panic.
Watching her retreating figure, Kai sighed.
"Asami, your so shy."
Then he shifted topics.
"But this time, it's all your fault, Yin."
His gaze moved to his shoulder, where a mini fairy-like Yin sat.
Yin's staring during their date had caused Asami to run off without their usual passionate kiss.
Normally, they kissed until she was weak and trembling before parting.
"Master… if you want a passionate kiss, Yin can do it." Yin said.
She stretched out her tiny hands, hugged the side of Kai's face, and kissed him gently.
"You!" Kai said, lightly tapping Yin's forehead with his index finger.
Not long after Jin matured, she began causing mischief, starting with teaching Yin to transform into a mini fairy.
This move brought Yin closer to Jin.
From initially ignoring Jin to now playing the piano for her, the change was significant.
Yin had become very clingy.
Now, she was practically by Kai's side 24 hours a day.
When free, Yin transformed into Yamato and stayed close.
When busy or engaged elsewhere, she shrank and stuck to him.
But seeing Yin's pitiful, abandoned expression, Kai couldn't bring himself to say anything.
Yin was sensible and undeniably cute in her mini form.
She just loved being close to him, what was wrong with that?
In truth, Kai enjoyed it and knew it well.
"Since your behavior disrupted my moment, you're responsible for my meals today." Kai said.
"Well… if Master likes, I'll do it every day." Yin replied.
Her face lit up with a smile as she hugged Kai's neck and murmured.
In an instant, Kai arrived at a paradise-like valley on Ruskaina Island.
Yin hopped off his shoulder, quickly growing to full size.
Kissing his cheek again, she changed into a black-and-white cook's outfit and headed to a cozy cabin in the valley.
There, Yin would prepare lunch.
She had read that preparing meals for a loved one was a wife's duty.
In her heart, Yin wanted to be a worthy wife, hoping Kai would notice and think of her more.
Though greedy, she couldn't, and wouldn't, restrain herself.
(End of this chapter)